Arlington

About

The civil Parish of Arlington comprises two villages. Arlington dates from Roman times and has a Saxon church. Upper Dicker village further north, developed in the late 19th century when Horatio Bottomley built and extended a cottage here, now owned by St. Bede's school. Many of the houses are constructed of brick from locally dug Weald Clay.

The Parish nestles in the heart of the Cuckmere Valley where the river meanders through the Low Weald towards the sea. The countryside has a rich historic heritage with many archaeological clues to its past, hidden in the landscape.

Over 42 miles of footpaths criss-cross the parish. The Weald Way passes close to the river and connects Arlington village with Upper Dicker. En route are the "Yew Tree" public house at Arlington and the "Plough" at Upper Dicker where the village shop's café also offers refreshments. From mid April to May, Bates Green Farm welcomes the public to explore the bluebell wood and several farm trails. Abbots Wood is also popular with walkers and horse riders as is the Old Oak public house nearby. Arlington Reservoir offers trout fishing and birdwatching.

Medieval Michelham Priory was built by the river. Part of the site is now a Tudor house. The working watermill, forge and rope museum and the beautiful gardens within a wide moat are further attractions. Craft fairs, a game and country fair and theatre productions are held here and a restaurant caters for visitors. The more actively inclined can learn to ski at Knockhatch Ski Centre. The adventure park here includes go-karts, a children's farm and a boating lake. Nearby, Arlington Stadium hosts stock car and banger racing twice a week.

Visiting Arlington in early spring (April - May) don't miss the chance to visit Arlington Bluebell Walk which is only open for two months of the year.